The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites residents to kick off 2026 with a First Day Hike on January 1st.
Seventeen state parks across Illinois will host free, self-guided hikes as part of a nationwide initiative by America’s State Parks Foundation. The program encourages outdoor recreation and celebrates America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Participants can enjoy photo opportunities, collect stickers, and share their experiences on social media using a special hash tag. Featured parks include Giant City, Starved Rock, Pere Marquette, and Illinois Beach, among others. Admission to Illinois state parks and historic sites is free.
This year, the program is highlighting America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the outdoor places that have shaped the country’s past and present.
“IDNR invites Illinoisans everywhere to take time on Jan. 1 to explore our beautiful state parks and consider what conservation and public lands may look like in the future,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There’s no better way to clear your mind after the holidays and look ahead to a new year than to explore the outdoors.”
The following Illinois state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #ILFirstDayHikes.
- Beall Woods State Park, Wabash County
- Beaver Dam State Park, Macoupin County
- Castle Rock State Park, Ogle County
- Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek state parks, Shelby County
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Clinton County
- Fox Ridge State Park, Coles County
- Giant City State Park, Jackson County
- Illinois Beach State Park, Lake County
- Lincoln Trail State Park, Clark County
- Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Menard County
- Pere Marquette State Park, Jersey County
- Rock Island Trail State Park, Stark County
- Sand Ridge State Forest, Mason County
- Sangchris Lake State Park, Sangamon County
- Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County
- Volo Bog State Natural Area, Lake County
Illinois does not charge admission to state parks, historic sites and other locations. For more information, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks.html.
